Auditors cast doubt over viability of swimming pool in Limerick
Facility closed since 2023 amid major upgrade plan
AUDITORS for Askeaton Swimming Pool have expressed doubt over the facility’s ability to continue operating as a going concern.
The pool has not been operational since mid-way through 2023, with vital upgrade works needing to be undertaken to ensure its safety.
Now, in its own report, the council’s auditors have revealed that their counterparts at Askeaton Swimming Pool cast doubt on its future.
“The company’s auditors, in their audit report for the period (to) December 31, 2022 note ‘there is a material uncertainty related to events or conditions that may cast significant doubt on the entity’s ability to continue as a going concern,” the council’s audit report for 2023, just released to members, states.
Limerick City and County Council own a 51% share in Askeaton Pool and Leisure, with the balance made up by the Askeaton Swimming Club.
A designated activity company, it means it operates at arm’s length and independently from the local authority.
Council auditors have said the facility’s plant room has been impacted by flooding and adverse weather conditions since the then President Mary McAleese cut the ribbon at the facility back in 2007.
Earlier this year, it was revealed that almost €2.5m had been spent on maintaining and renewing the swimming pool in the last two years, despite the fact it is not available to the public.
As of February this year, a total of €2,476,589.98 had been spent on the pool since its 2023 closure.
In that year, €510,190.81 was spent on renewal and maintenance costs.
Last year, that figure was €1,585,293.75. And in the first month of 2025, €381,105.31 was spent on the facility.
The improvement works to the pool - funded in part by government grants - involve the upgrading of the plant room, flood defence enhancements, replacement of the mechanical and electrical equipment and the installation of energy efficient heating systems.